Boston-based Hearby has launched 'Ask Hearby,' an AI-powered chatbot specifically designed for live event discovery, aiming to solve the persistent challenge of concert discovery and boost attendance across venues of all sizes.

While major concerts from artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift represent only one-third of the live music market, the remaining two-thirds consist of smaller venues where discovery remains a significant challenge. Ask Hearby addresses this gap by combining Large Language Model (LLM) AI technology with anthropological expertise to match user intent with suitable live events.

The platform aims to function as a knowledgeable friend offering personalized concert recommendations, but with broader awareness than human curators who might be limited by personal preferences or familiar venues.

Area4Labs CEO Gary Halliwell notes that their coverage of live music shows across UK cities and towns is comprehensive, with plans to expand to North America in 2025. Unlike existing solutions such as Satisfi, which focuses on post-purchase support, Ask Hearby targets the crucial discovery phase before ticket purchase.

Initial testing reveals the platform's ability to surface both mainstream venues and lesser-known alternatives, including restaurant performances and local jazz spots. While there are occasional mismatches in recommendations, the system is designed to learn and improve over time through user interaction.

Future developments will focus on enhanced personalization, allowing users to generate and share curated show lists on social media. This feature aims to expand access to local gigs, emerging artists, and intimate performances, making live music more accessible beyond high-priced mega-shows.

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